João Pernambuco, born João Teixeira Guimarães, was a Brazilian composer, guitarist, and mandolinist who lived from 1883 to 1947. He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of choro, a genre of Brazilian popular music. Pernambuco was known for his virtuosic playing and his innovative compositions, which often incorporated elements of classical music and folk melodies. He was also a prolific recording artist, and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.